Illinois Best Guided Fishing Trips!

Thu, February 23, 2012

Here is the list of the very best guided fishing opportunities in the entire state of Illinois! We have put together over 30 guided trips with the best fishing guides and fishing water in central Illinois. These trips will be available for purchase as silent auction items at the Elmwood All Outdoors Show March 3-4, 2012 and then live auction on Monday, March 5th at EP’s Timeout in East Peoria.

The dinner and auction is our main fundraiser for the year and is a different format this year. No advanced reservations or tickets needed, but the suggested donation is $100 per family or simply sign up to volunteer at the park this upcoming season. The event is casual, open house style and should be alot of fun so please come on down to hang out, learn more about the fishing park, and win a fishing trip of a lifetime!

All proceeds from these trips will go towards our 2012 operating expenses at the Hooked On Fishing Park in East Peoria. All guides, fishing clubs, and organizations have donated their time and expertise to make this annual fundraiser possible. Make sure to check out their pictures, websites, and descriptions below!

Welcome to the 2012 Auction of “Catch A Dream” fishing trips. Proceeds from the auction will fund the operations of Hooked on Fishing Park. Visit our booth at the Elmwood Show to win a free trip of a lifetime and also attend the event March 5th for another chance to win a free trip!

To place a bid or buy now, you may email your bid to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call us at 309-219-3560. Check, Master Card and Visa are accepted.

Host Bob Fortner welcomes you and up to 3 guests (total 4 people) to the beautiful blue waters of the Florida Keys for 3 days of the very best sportfishing you will ever encounter. You will be spending your days on the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean catching Yellowtail, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and other species guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime. The all-inclusive trip includes meals, lodging, boat, guide, and all fishing equipment and bait. (Transportation to the Keys not included). Expires May 31, 2013. I have been fishing in the keys with Bob and his GPS numbers a couple times and he has those fish dialed in! Unbelievable opportunity of a lifetime!! He knows everyone on the island and they all bring over lobsters and stone crab claws to hang out in the evening!! To read about one of my trips with Bob: Florida Keys Adventure

2. SMALLMOUTH ON THE VERMILLION OR MACKINAW RIVER:

Buy Now Price: $300 Starting Bid Price $100

Experienced stream fisherman and columnist John Graham will guide 2 people for a half day of exciting smallmouth bass fishing on your choice of the Mackinaw or Vermillion Rivers. Learn stream fishing techniques for catching trophy smallies. Try your hand at tackling “the gamiest fish that swims”. You need to bring clothes/shoes for wet wading, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, fishing license, and rod and reel (if available). Expires August 31, 2012. I have been fishing with Jonn for about 5 years now and let me just say spending some time with him on the water is a must if you want to become a better fisherman. Call him at 309-399-7055 with any questions or to order some of his famous swim jigs!

3. MUSKIES ON EVERGREEN LAKE With Thad:

Buy Now Price: $350 Starting Bid Price $150

Professional guide Thad Hinshaw will guide 2 people for a full day of Muskie fishing on beautiful Lake Evergreen. Try your hand at tackling the largest freshwater fish the Midwest has to offer. You will learn from the best as Thad shares the newest tactics and some old standby techniques to give you the greatest chance of landing the elusive Muskies. He provides boat, rods and reels, lures, and tackle. He also provides lunch, drinks, and snacks to make your day complete. You need to bring a fishing license, sunglasses, raingear, and camera. Expires October 31, 2012. Thad is ranked as one of the top 5 muskie guides in all of Illinois! Lake Evergreen is your chance for a state record on any cast!! Visit his website evergreenmuskie.com for more information about him and his guide service!

4 and 5. FISH THE “ROCK”:

Buy Now Price: $600 CURRENT BID $125

Your host will be Chris Rock of Princeville who will treat two people to a full day of fishing at his private lakes. Chris will escort you on these well-stocked waters that will guarantee you have non-stop action all day long. Your host will provide boat, bait, and fun. You bring your enthusiasm, fishing equipment, lunch and license. Expires October 31, 2012. These are some of my favorite lakes to fish and manage! More 5 lb+ bass came out of Rocks lakes last year than any other lake in Central Illinois. These lakes and fish are young and are going to produce a double digit bass in 2012! We guide ice fishing alot at these lakes in the winter.

If you like fast action and excitement, this is the trip for you. This is a full-day, two-lake fishing extravaganza. Get your buddies with boats together for a day of fishing you guys will never forget! Chef Todd will take care of all the details including shore lunch and a gourmet dinner. Chef will make sure each boat is catching fish!

You need to bring your boat, fishing equipment, bait, rain gear, license and camera. Since Chef will be preparing the meals, you will also need to clean your own fish at the fish cleaning station or take them home. Maximum of 10 boats will be booked for this day. Book yourself for just one of the boats and meet new fisherman or book all 10 slots for a private fishing party of a lifetime. The rain or shine date for this trip is Saturday, May 26, 2012. Otter Creek boasts over 250 acres of the most intensively managed fishing water in the midwest. Over 12 species of trophy gamefish lurk beneath those amazing waters! Chefs meals at this place are also legendary!! End of May everything will be on FIRE!!

Well-known sportsman Kelly Presley from Presley’s Outdoors will be your guide. You and a guest (2 people total) are in for a full day of largemouth bass fishing on productive private waters in nearby Fulton County. You can count on a full creel when Kelly takes you to his hotspots. Bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Kelly will provide the boat, guide service, and bait. Expires October 31, 2012. If you dont have your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, etc then make sure to visit Kelly at his bait shop and outdoor world in Bartonville before the trip and he will personally make sure you have all the right gear! The winner of this trip will receive 15% off their entire purchase on the day of the trip so be sure to head over to Presley’s to get outfitted for the year!

8. ILLINOIS RIVER WALLEYE FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

This is your chance to learn how to catch Walleye and Sauger on the Illinois River from a championship walleye fisherman and well-known guide Rick Parrott. This is a full-day trip for 2 people. Get educational instruction on effective tactics, river fishing, pulling cranks, lead core, etc. Rick provides the invaluable knowledge for catching Walleye, the boat, and bait. Bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Expires October 31, 2012.

9. FISHTASTIC FLY FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Do you know how to fly fish? Here is your chance to learn. Two people can spend a full day learning from a pro. Duane Serck has fished in tournaments all over the Midwest, and he loves teaching anglers the tricks to successful fly fishing. Duane says “My family had a place in Jackson Hole, Wyoming when I was a teenager. That is the place that made me fall in love in fly fishing. “ Duane will furnish the boat, necessary tackle, and bait. Bring your fishing license, rain gear, and lunch. Expires October 31, 2012. Duane is a good friend of mine and an accomplished multi-species angler! If you want to learn to fly fish or target a specific species with the fly rod, he is the man to get er done! Check out his website Illinoismuskies.com

10. PARTY FOR 25 PEOPLE AT HOOKED ON FISHING PARK:

Buy Now Price: $1000 Starting Bid Price $750

You will be a star when you invite your friends to your fishing party at the Hooked on Fishing Park. You and your friends can enjoy all of the park facilities and fish, fish, fish. Of course we provide everything you need. You won’t go away hungry either; we have Chef Todd lined up to cook an awesome delicious meal for 25 people. You know your party will be a hit, and you will feel right at home at the Hooked on Fishing Park. Just bring your guests and we will furnish the rest. Expires October 31, 2012. Please book your date by May 1, 2012. We did several of these events last year and they were all a huge success!!

11. SENKO FISHING AT OTTER CREEK:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Now what angler is not always looking for a killer bass bait? Well Chad Fargler from Bass Pro Shop will show you how to use the Senko and other top bass lures and get results you will be bragging about for a long time. They call it fishing, but the goal is catching. After a full day with Chad teaching you about the Senko, you will know all the secrets that Chad has to tell. This trip is for 2 people. Chad will provide the boat, fishing tackle, and bait. You bring your fishing license, rain gear, and lunch. Expires October 31, 2012. Chad guides for me in the summers on my clients own properties! He is a phenominal guide and very patient teacher! While Bass fishing is his forte, I cant help but post this insane crappie pic of him. Anyhow, Chad will be guiding this summer so if you miss out on this trip and want some private instruction on your own water just get ahold of him or me anytime.

12. PRIVATE WATERS BASS FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Get ready for action. Ryan Ortega, Berkley Fishing Representative, is ready to show you how to get maximum results. He will host 2 people for a full day of fishing on private, well-stocked waters. These waters produce BIG bass. You will love the thrill of the fight with BIG largemouth bass. Provided for you on this trip is the boat, bait, and Ryan’s expert knowledge. You bring your fishing license, rain gear, and lunch. Expires October 31, 2012. I havent open water fished with Ryan yet, but have spent some time ice fishing with him and he knows his stuff! I am sure he will hook you up with some Berkely baits too for this fishing trip!

13. SALMON FISHING ON LAKE MICHIGAN:

Buy Now Price: $600 Starting Bid Price $200

Now here is a chance for something different. How about some Salmon fishing with Pastor Bill Brown on Lake Michigan! One Day of salmon fishing lake michigan for two people. Friday or Saturday when the fish are biting! Limit is 5 salmon per person and springtime fills the cooler. Pastor Bill is the pastor at Lexington Community Church and he is an avid multi-species angler. He loves meeting new people just as much as salmon fishing!!. Pastor Brown will provide the boat, guide service, and bait. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Expires October 31, 2012. Pastor Bill has been a mentor to me since I first spoke at one of his Faithful Fisherman meetings back a few years ago. We have been fishing together since and I can’t wait to get up Salmon fishing with him this spring! Also of note is that the winner of this trip can opt for a second day of fishing at the full buy it now price. The second day would be the same weekend as the first day, so it would be a Friday/Saturday cause the preacher preaches on Sundays. Also you would need to make accomodations for the Friday night, Pastor stays in a small hotel near the harbor.

14. MUSKIE FISHING AT SPRING LAKE With Dan:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Have you ever caught a Muskie? If your answer is “no” then you will want this trip. If your answer is “yes” then you will definitely want to relive that experience. This trip offers a full day of Muskie fishing with pro fisherman, acclaimed guide and outdoor writer Dan Vinovich. This trip is for 2 people. Provided for you on this trip is the boat, bait, and Dan’s expert knowledge. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Expires October 31, 2012. Dan consistently puts clients on multiple fish days out at Spring Lake! Here is a website about Dan and his accomplishments: Walleyes Inc The site is a bit dated, but nonetheless you can learn a ton from fishing with Dan, plus he is oftentimes booked up so this is your chance to secure your spot!

15. Shabonna, LaSalle, or Illinois River Multi-Species Trip:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Fishing Guide Pete Riedesel can show you around the lake of your choice and teach you how to target multiple species of fish on each water body. With Pete’s expert knowledge you are sure to catch plenty of fish! This full day fishing trip can accommodate two people. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Pete will provide the boat and bait. Expires October 31, 2012. Pete writes for Heartland Outdoors website and operates a fishing guide service when not teaching students at school. Be sure to check out his blog posts and call him up to book a trip or just talk fishin! Fishing Friend Guide Service (815) 433-6109

16. McLean County Fishing with Matt Cheever!:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150
Avid anglers and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this full day fishing trip to learn some secrets to fishing McLean Counties most popular fishing lakes. Your choice, 1/2 day Lake Bloomington and 1/2 day Lake Evergreen or full day on either, or it can be a gametime decision based on where the hot bite is. Matt fishes for crappie, muskie, walleye, saugeye, and stripers!! Well-known outdoorsman and outdoor writer Matt Cheever is your host. Matt says, “I was born and raised in Central Illinois, residing here all my life. I’ve been an avid fisherman since my teen years and it seems like the hobby became an addiction.” He will share his vast knowledge of fishing with others who are addicted to fishing. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, sunglasses, and rain gear. Matt will provide the boat, bait, and lunch at Green Gables restaurant conveniently located near both lakes. Expires October 31, 2012. Here is one of the most interesting trips of the bunch! Matt’s gentle demeanor and passion for enjoying God’s great creation is the combination for a perfect day exploring outside! Matt not only will teach how to fish, but he has a perfect recipe for everything under the sun. I enjoy reading about all of his adventures and recipes on Heartland Outdoors!

17. MISSION OAK HIS/HERS GETAWAY (with fishing):

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

You will be the guest of Denny and Jan Reed for a one-night getaway stay in a deluxe suite for a husband and wife at the Mission Oak Inn in Henry, IL. Enjoy a half-day guided fishing trip or you can self-guide using the mini pontoon boat. Mission Oak is an acclaimed B&B that has been named one of the top 10 “culinary get-aways” out of 12,000 B&B’s worldwide. They have one of the best fishing lakes in the area plus their accommodations are world class. Their 7 acre lake is as good as it gets anywhere. You bring your fishing license and fishing equipment. Expires October 31, 2012 When I first stepped foot on their property I knew immediately that someone had worked very hard in creating a paradise on earth. This is IT folks and its only a few miles north of Peoria. Check out their website for more information about this bed and breakfast gem: missionoakinn.com A world class bed and breakfast that cooks food that impressed Chef Todd and have a fishing lake that impressed me.

18. GAMBERS COVE BASS FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

This private fishing and camping club in Victoria, IL has some outstanding fishing. Over 10 pristine lakes to fish with hardly any fishing pressure! Your host Cody can accommodate two people on this bass fishing adventure. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Cody will provide the boat and insure that you have fun-filled day of fishing and exploring remote lakes. Expires October 31, 2012 Gamber Cove is perhaps the best kept secret for the serious fisherman in the area. Ray Gamber offers a handful of yearly fishing memberships to his fishing paradise!

19. EVERGREEN LAKE OR LAKE BLOOMINGTON MULTI-SPECIES FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Accomplished fisherman, guide, and custom rod builder Paul Center will guide 2 people for a half day of fishing on your choice of Evergreen Lake or Lake Bloomington. Let Paul guide you to the best spots and show you his winning fishing techniques. Paul will provide the boat, rods and reels, lures, and all tackle. You should bring your fishing license, sunglasses, rain gear, and camera. Expires October 31, 2012. Paul made a custom muskie fishing rod for me a few years back that is just too pretty to use, anyhow Paul is the multi-species king of the local public bodies of water! (he also makes multi-species rods too that are just awesome!) Check out his website for more info: rods4fishing.com

20. REND LAKE OVERNIGHT STAY AND CATFISHING ADVENTURE:

Buy Now Price: $600 Starting Bid Price $200

You can’t miss with this trip. Larry and Linda Dozard along with Russ and Janice Nash of Hoss’s Hawg Catfish bait and Gun Creek Fin, Fur and Feathers Sportsmens Club will host this over-night trip to Rend Lake for two anglers. Spend a half day catching great catfish on beautiful Rend Lake and learn the secrets of using the most popular dip bait available. Over-night accommodations provided by Ric Barth at Gun Creek are also included to make this an awesome fishing package! You bring your fishing license, your favorite fishing pole, and rain gear. Larry and Russ will provide the boat, tackle, and bait. The date of this trip is June 9th, 2012. After a great day of fishing, the gang will also have a fish fry that evening, to create the ultimate Rend lake experience at Gun Creek! What an awesome opportunity to fish with Larry at Larrysfishinghole.com and Russ of Hosshawgbait.com

21. BECOME A TV STAR ON HOOK AND HUNT TV:

Buy Now Price: $500 Starting Bid Price $150

Here is your chance to be a star on the Hook and Hunt TV show. Jim Crowley will host 2 people on a fishing trip like none other. This is a half-day trip. TONS of fun to remember forever and share the experience with friends and family. You bring your fishing license and Jim will provide all the equipment. Expires October 31, 2012. Now this is a fun opportunity! Filming a fishing show has to be on your bucket list, nows the time to get er done! Check out hookandhunttv.com for more information about Jim and his show.

22. HERMAN BROTHERS TROPHY LAKE:

Buy Now Price: $1000 Current Bid Price $290

Here it is….access to some of the finest fishing anywhere. Nate Herman will be your guide and your host to an incredible day of multi-species fishing. Yourself and up to 3 guests (4 total) can enjoy this private 33 acre fishing lake abundantly stocked with a large variety of game fish, including hybrid striped bass and smallmouth bass, guaranteed to challenge anglers of all abilities! Lets kick back on the pontoon boat and talk fish while targeting more than 10 different species all in the same day. You can bring your own gear if desired, but Nate will provide everything including the license, photographs, fish cleaning and food and drinks. Expires October 31, 2012. I know this Nate guy and his lake is pretty good fishing….check out his website hblakemanagement.com for more information about how him and his brothers can help transform your property into your very own world class fishing and hunting spot.

23. SECRET DESTINATION FISHING WITH JEFF LAMPE:

Buy Now Price: $400 Current Bid SOLD

Jeff Lampe needs no introduction. This well-known sports writer and outdoorsman has access to lakes most of us could only dream of. This mystery trip will provide a full day of fishing fun and adventure for two people His guests should arrive ready for a once in a lifetime adventure, and bring with them fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Jeff will provide the boat and bait. Expires October 31.2012. This trip being a mystery makes it that much more fun!!! If you havent fished or hunted with Jeff yet, get er done. He will retire a legend in the state of Illinois as perhaps the most influencial outdoor writer of his time.

24. BELSER FARMS LAKE FISHING FUN:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Talk about fun……what could be more fun than a full-day fishing trip on the private Belser Farms lake near Canton. The Bluegill and Crappie are big and feisty and they are sure to give you a thrill. Your host Brad Belser knows the lake well, so with Brad as your guide you are sure to find the honey holes. This trip can accommodate two people. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Brad will provide the boat and bait. Expires October 31, 2012. I shocked this huge lake a few years back and it was full of awesome crappies and bluegills near the 1 lb mark! Since then the lake has been stocked with smallmouth bass that should be getting very nice sized as well!! Brad is famous for shooting huge deer and harvesting tons of waterfowl, but dont be fooled, he knows fish too.

25. IRISH ACRES GUIDED TRIP:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

This full-day trip can accommodate two people. Your host Mike O’Bryan will insure that you have fun fishing for bass and panfish. Have your camera ready to record all of your trophy catches on this private lake that is carefully managed to provide optimum fishing. You will be one of the lucky ones who gets to fish these waters. Bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, and rain gear. Mike will provide the lunch, boat and bait. Expires October 31, 2012. I hear stories of baskets full of huge panfish from these waters, somebody win this trip and let me know if they are true!

26. ILLINOIS RIVER FISHING ADVENTURE:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

When it comes to fishing the Illinois River, who would know it better than local fisherman Ron Boyer? This is your chance to get out on the Illinois River and let Ron show you where the fish are hiding and how to catch them. You are sure to be pleased and amazed at the good fishing that is available on the Illinois River. This is an all-day trip for two people. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Ron will provide the boat and bait. Expires October 31, 2012.
27. BIGI BIZLIAZZI ILLINOIS RIVER TROPHY FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $400 Starting Bid Price $150

Let Bigi Bizliazzi help you land some BIG fish on this Illinois River. With his unparalleled fishing experience, Bigi will guide you to where you find the BIG ones. This is an all-day fishing trip for two people. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Bigi will provide the boat and bait. Expires October 31, 2012.

28. and 29. LADIES ONLY FISHING DAY AT OTTER CREEK:

Buy Now Price: $500 Starting Bid Price $200

No experience needed, but if you are an experienced fisherwoman you will also enjoy this trip. Regardless of your level of experience, YOU WILL CATCH FISH. This half-day trip is for up to four ladies, and your host is Mike O’Rielly. Mike will even bait your hooks and take your fish off. You have all the fun and he does all the work. No need to bring anything but your enthusiasm. Mike provides the boat, fishing gear, bait, fishing tackle, and anything else you might need. Lunch is also included. Expires October 31, 2012. Ladies, you will catch fish on this trip that will make your husbands jealous!! (Mike, you need to have Carol email me some ladies fishing pics to insert here. All my lady fishing pics from Otter are from the winter time).

30. KIDS ONLY FISHING DAY AT OTTER CREEK:

Buy Now Price: $500 Starting Bid Price $200

Give the kids a fishing adventure they will long remember. The well-stocked lakes at Otter Creek will mean non-stop action. Up to six kids age 8 to 16 can come to the lake for a half day of fishing. Eveything they need will be provided including lunch. Your host is Mike O’Rielly Expires October 31, 2012. Kids must be accompanied by parent or guardian. When I was a kid this would have been my dream come true and highlight of my childhood. (MIke, again send pic for here)

31. HIDDEN LAKES FISHING:

Buy Now Price: $800 Starting Bid Price $150

Here is your chance to fish Hidden Lakes. Rob Jockish will make this full-day fishing adventure a dream come true. The well-stocked lakes will give up lots fish to provide fish stories to tell for years to come. This trip is for two people. This is your chance to experience the outstanding fishing at Hidden Lakes. You bring your fishing license, fishing equipment, rain gear, and lunch. Rob will provide the boat and bait. Expires October 31, 2012 Hidden Lakes is truly that- a bunch of hidden lakes. There is just too much water there to fish in a lifetime, let alone one fishing day. Nevertheless, this is one of the most exclusive best fishing properties not just in Illinois, but in the nation. Dont miss this opportunity to get inside these gates for a day!

If you are a fishing guide or have a fishing lake and would like to get involved with this event in the future to help out the fishing park, be sure to contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). I hope to see you all at the auction Monday night and be sure to bring the family or some friends. Also stop by the fishing park booth at the Elmwood Show or just stop by the park sometime to check it out. Please support us at the park and also these guides and folks for helping make this awesome event possible!!!

Comments

i dont know how one can say that dan boats more musky at spring lake than any angler just not true. i know of a few fisherman that already boated 50 plus musky and some nice ones at that.Nothing against dan good fisherman when you have 3 people in a boat all throwng the same lure you will catch a few but by not far best fisherman at spring lake ask him how many he has caught so far number is about 5.and at 250 a day the 5 better be 50 in plus.

Posted by fishinallday on February 24

Fishinallday,
Technically you are probably correct about their being some very good fisherman at Spring lake and I did change the post above. On the other hand this is a post about fishing guides who have donated their time to help us teach and take thousands of kids fishing this summer. Give me a little bit of leeway just this time and also help get those other avid anglers to help us out at the park too. You do not need to be a fishing guide to help further outdoor education and help get our youth hooked on fishing.

What most people dont realize is that if the next generation does not get hooked on fishing, fishing opportunities in our state on public bodies of water will only get worse and worse and worse. Also the muskie program in Illinois is one of the most expensive to upkeep cause all of those fish are stocked fish, once the funds dry up so will the muskie stockings.

Posted by Nate on February 24

Thanks nate i often take new people fishing and its nice to see the smiles on their faces when they catch there first musky or there biggest bass.No harm done with the post just didnt want to upset the herd especially the other guides that fish there.

Posted by fishinallday on February 25

I say hats off to all of the guides! What a great way to help build funding for the fining park and youth programs. Yay for all of the guides who donated a trip